Discuss what makes the use of sales promotion so effective and popular. Describe different types of sales promotions

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Sales promotion refers to any paid consumer or trade communication program of limited duration that adds tangible value to a product or brand. In a price promotion, tangible value may take the form of a price reduction, coupon, or mail-in refund. Non-price promotions may take the form of free samples, premiums, "buy one get one free" offers, sweepstakes, and contests. Consumer sales promotions may be designed to make consumers aware of a new product, to stimulate nonusers to sample an existing product, or to increase overall consumer demand. Trade sales promotions are designed to increase product availability in distribution channels. The reason why worldwide there is an increase in the popularity of sales promotions as a marketing communication tool is due to several of its strengths and advantages. Besides providing a tangible incentive to buyers, sales promotions also reduce the perceived risk buyers may associate with purchasing the product. From the point of view of the sponsoring company, sales promotions provide accountability; the manager in charge of the promotions can immediately track the results of the promotions. Overall promotional spending is increasing at many companies as they shift available allocations away from traditional print and broadcast advertising. Also, sweepstakes, rebates, and other forms of promotions require consumers to fill out a form and return it to the company, which can then build up information in its database for use when communicating with customers in the future. A global company can sometimes leverage experience gained in one country market and use it in another market.